Honk If You Love Someone

Honk If You Love Someone

Someone sent me a link to this video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EwYLZmkUxo

Check it out. It proves just how easy it can be to put a smile on someone’s face, change their day, and promote positive leadership. I felt compelled to try it out at our middle school. Every other Friday we have an advisory schedule. We shorten the regular class schedule by a few minutes each period and preserve an activity schedule at the end of the day.  Each certified staffulty member has a group of students that they advise.

I decided to show the YouTube video to my group of students and then give the idea a shot in front of our school. My face still hurts from laughing and smiling so much. First, we made signs similar to the ones in the YouTube video. “Honk if you love someone.” “Honk if you are happy.”  Then we headed to the front of our school. Since I saw the video several weeks ago, I made a permanent sign for a conference we had in January (below). 

It started slowly but the students were totally engaged within a few minutes. Cars, vans, and trucks were honking and smiling. One lady stopped, rolled down her window, and smiled ear to ear. She said, “I can’t honk because I’m not happy.” I said, “Then why are you smiling?” 

The kids were jumping up and down, waving, and spreading happiness. Wow! What a great idea. Make sure you watch the video then spread the smiles!

When students think about “paying it forward” or a service learning project, they may reflect upon a monetary goal. This particular event is quick, easy, and anyone can replicate it. It works! 

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”  – Margaret Meade

 

Let Your Students Shine!

“You saw my son’s light shine before other people. Thank you!”

The above quote was from a parent conversation about a year ago. I saw many leadership moments in her son during his time in our school. Most importantly, I let him know that I noticed. Sometimes, people look for negatives in their students rather than positives. As educators, we cannot have that mindset.

There are times when we allow the smallest events to get us in a bad mood. It’s not fair to our students, our colleagues, or us. I always found it a challenge to connect that “one” student that did not seem connected. I knew when it happened that I chose the right profession.

Early in my teaching career, I taught high school accounting. It sounds exciting, doesn’t it? Well I made the most of it because my students needed me to engage them. I applied for a grant to get ten IBM PCs in my classroom. This was before anyone knew what the integration of technology was.

I found that some students that were not normally engaged became different people. Later I learned that there was some theory that I could apply. Students became leaders when they knew they had a niche. They also became facilitators.

Another concept I learned early in my career was that there was a strong correlation between leadership and service.  Because I wanted my students to be connected to the school and the community, I started a group called “The Accounting Maniacs.” We raised money to buy turkeys and hams during the holidays. The students led the group and arranged a bowling outing to raise money.

This was an opportunity for the students to take ownership in themselves and the people around them. They embraced the fact that they had a connection to the school and to the community. I applauded their efforts and the positive difference they made. They were proud of their accomplishments, and I was, too. Most importantly, they knew I was proud of them. Their confidence carried over into their classroom effort and performance. Little things make a BIG difference. Try it. I dare you!

As I was writing this post, another cool thing just happened. I call students down to the office a lot to either congratulate them for doing the right thing or ask their opinions. A fifth grade girl just came to my office, and she was really nervous. I congratulated her for her performance in the school play. She was so excited. I asked her why she was nervous. She said she thought she did something wrong, I told her she did something right. People get called to the principal’s office for doing great things. She left with the biggest smile I ever saw on a fifth grader.

And by the way, do kids know what cool means? I told my eleven year old daughter the other day that her hair looked cool. She replied. “What’s that supposed to mean?” I said cool means cool. It’s positive. She told me just to say her hair is gorgeous next time.

Peace.